What to Know About Sunscreen For Pets

October 4, 2023 Sam Becker

Pets resemble us in so many ways. It may be surprising to know that some conditions affect both dogs and humans. For instance, who would think the beloved pooch could get hives (itchy skin welts)? Or that they can suffer from arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and even dental issues. As such, it’s not a surprise that the sun can damage your pet's skin. And pet sunscreen provides an excellent solution to deal with harmful UV rays.

What Is Pet Sunscreen?

This is a specialized product that protects animals from harmful UV rays. Like humans, skin damage and sunburn are a reality for your pet. This is especially true for animals with light-colored, short, or thin fur. What’s more, exposed skin, like that on the nose, ears, and belly, is more susceptible to UV rays.

Besides the obvious discomfort of sunburn, UV exposure increases the risk of cancers like malignant melanomas, hemangiomas, and squamous cell carcinoma, hence the need for preventative measures like pet sunscreen.

Choosing the Right Pet Sunscreen

Here’s a checklist for pet sunscreen shopping.

Non-Toxic Formulations

Can you share sunscreen with your pet? Unfortunately not, seeing some ingredients are harmful to them. For instance, some human sunscreens contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and zinc oxide, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, liver damage, and bone marrow changes when the pet accidentally licks the sunscreen. Your pet may also suffer from zinc poisoning in the long run, exposing them to gastrointestinal bleeding.

Additionally, the salicylates in human sunscreen may cause vomiting, tinnitus, and diaphoresis, even in small doses. Over time, the toxicity may result in agitation, lethargy, stupor, hallucinations, delirium, and convulsions.

Ensure your pet sunscreen contains non-toxic elements that won’t harm your pet even when ingested.

Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

There are different types of ultraviolet UV rays depending on their wavelength. They include:

Shortwave UVC rays are the most damaging UV radiation type. Fortunately, they only interact with the ozone layer and don't get to the earth's surface.
Medium wavelength UVB rays are also harmful, resulting in painful sunburns, cancers, and other skin ailments.
Long-wave UVA rays deeply penetrate the skin to accelerate tanning, wrinkling, and skin cell aging. Recent studies also suggest a connection with skin cancer development.

Dog breeds like Dalmatians, Boxers, Bull Terriers, Pitbulls, and Greyhounds are especially susceptible to sunburn. For cats, Persians, Siamese, and Himalayans top the list. Go for broad-spectrum formulations when choosing sunscreen to protect your pet buddy against UVA and UVB rays. Moreover, ensure the product’s sun protection factor (SPF) is 30+—a lower SPF offers less UV protection.

Water-Resistant and Fragrance-Free Pet Sunscreen

Water-resistant sunscreen stays on even if your pet gets wet. That way, you can enjoy your favorite water activities with your pet without worrying about dry skin. And because animals are sensitive to scents, go for fragrance-free products that won’t irritate the pet or disrupt their sleep or playtime.

Applying Sunscreen

Read the manufacturer's instructions on how to safely apply the product. You can also conduct a skin test to avoid any allergic reactions–apply a small amount of sunscreen on an exposed area and check for irritation, itching, or swelling. Stop using it in the event of any adverse reaction.

When it comes to application, focus on areas that are most exposed to the sun. These include the ear tips, nose, and the skin around the lips, inner thighs, and groin. You should also prioritize areas with light pigmentation, making sure to rub thoroughly for proper coverage.

Similarly, keep the sunscreen away from the eyes to avoid irritation. Most importantly, watch your pet friend closely so they don't lick off the sunscreen–the product should be fully absorbed within 10 to 15 minutes.

Remember to apply the pet sunscreen 20 minutes before sunlight exposure, repeating this process every 4 to 6 hours for maximum effectiveness.

What If the Pet Cannot Tolerate Sunscreen?

Your pet doesn’t have to suffer in the sun just because sunscreen doesn’t work for them. Here’s how you can prevent sunburn:

Limit sun exposure–You can go out in the late afternoon or early morning when the sun is less intense
Dress them in protective clothing–cooling vests, sun hats, and rash guards should do the trick, especially when staying out in the sun for too long
Keep your pet hydrated
Walk in the shade
Construct a shaded area in your yard where your pet can relax

Remember to always consult a vet before buying pet sunscreen. They will examine your pet for sensitivities and recommend effective alternatives in case of skin conditions.